Teams & Riders The Remco Evenepoel is the next Eddy Merckx thread

[shadowrider]

Why would you do a 2-week altitude camp for one or two one-day races? It makes no sense, and is a waste of resources. What other riders are doing altitude camps?

Several (top)riders did/do altitude camps to prepare important one-dayraces. Or to prepare a one hour effort, cfr attacking the world hour record. It makes a huge difference. Sometimes the altitude camp is ment for a good result in both a one-day race and a GT (Liège and the Giro, Clasica San Sebastian and the Vuelta and evt the worlds).

But the problem is that the effect of a third and fourth altitude camp (long or short) within a few months is a lot smaller. Not to forget he mental burden that can partly cancel out any physical benefits. So, that is the reason that an altitude camp is rarely done to prepare the worlds and Lombardia at the end of the season. What is being done is going to altitude camp to prepare for the Vuelta and to extend the shape to the worlds. In 2022 Evenepoel already did his second trainingcamp just before the Clasica San Sebastian, going to the Vuelta a few weeks later (the Vuelta itself has the effect of a moderate altitude trainingcamp) and keeping his form till the worlds.

 

[shadowrider]

Well we don't know how good Tarling and Ganna are yet. If he wins by a couple of seconds but they went on average 58 km/h (ridiculous number to make a case), you know he's still in great form

It's a pity Evenepoel will probably not be at his best. The road worlds this year suits both Pogacar and Evenepoel. It will/would be the first time both riders would challenge mano a mano. As it would have been in Liège earlier this year if Evenepoel hadn't crashed in the Basque Tour. Of course, they already competed against each other. In the Clasica San Sebastian and in the Worlds 22. Both won by Evenepoel. But Pogacar wasn't at his best then or was trapped by the early attack of Evenepoel (worlds 22).

 

[Berniece]

It's a pity Evenepoel will probably not be at his best. The road worlds this year suits both Pogacar and Evenepoel. It will/would be the first time both riders would challenge mano a mano. As it would have been in Liège earlier this year if Evenepoel hadn't crashed in the Basque Tour. Of course, they already competed against each other. In the Clasica San Sebastian and in the Worlds 22. Both won by Evenepoel. But Pogacar wasn't at his best then or was trapped by the early attack of Evenepoel (worlds 22).

I don’t know, Evenepoel seems confident though, and thinks he’s ready. Who are we to doubt that.

 

[shadowrider]

I don’t know, Evenepoel seems confident though, and thinks he’s ready. Who are we to doubt that.

I hope so. He will be ready but not at his best. He should be to challenge Pogacar. I think, even at his best, he would be beaten by Pogacar. As we could see during the Tour de France (ok, longer and steeper climbs). But on this hilly stretch, we would have a nice battle. Now I think the final will be predictable and boring. Unless we end up with a battle between the two Slovenians

 

[Berniece]

I hope so. He will be ready but not at his best. He should be to challenge Pogacar. I think, even at his best, he would be beaten by Pogacar. As we could see during the Tour de France (ok, longer and steeper climbs). But on this hilly stretch, we would have a nice battle. Now I think the final will be predictable and boring. Unless we end up with a battle between the two Slovenians

Ah no, at his best I don't see Pogacar easily beat Evenepoel. Maybe in a sprint, but not finishing solo. Evenepoel is too good as a rouleur for that.

It could also be that none of them win the WC, because neither wants to chase. If Roglic and Van Gils are in a group in the front, I don't see them chasing it. Since those riders will have a free role, I hope they understand they need to go before the last two rounds. I've seen many races of which I though, oh Valverde will win this easily, and then because of race dynamics he isn't in the picture the whole race.

 

[houtdffan]

Ah no, at his best I don't see Pogacar easily beat Evenepoel. Maybe in a sprint, but not finishing solo. Evenepoel is too good as a rouleur for that.

It could also be that none of them win the WC, because neither wants to chase. If Roglic and Van Gils are in a group in the front, I don't see them chasing it. Since those riders will have a free role, I hope they understand they need to go before the last two rounds. I've seen many races of which I though, oh Valverde will win this easily, and then because of race dynamics he isn't in the picture the whole race.

Pog and Remco have too much history on the line to let a teammate win this

 

[BigCoward]

If he does the double again, and Lombardia would he win Velo d'or?

 

[houtdffan]

If he does the double again, and Lombardia would he win Velo d'or?

I think he would have needed the Vuelta for that

But an Undisputed world road cycling championship would most certainly make a good case for him

 

[Logic-is-your-friend]

If he does the double again, and Lombardia would he win Velo d'or?

I doubt it but it would be hilarious in a year in which Pogacar wins two GT's.

 

[rghysens]

If he does the double again, and Lombardia would he win Velo d'or?

I think so.
2 gt´s, a minor stage race and a monument have been done before a couple of times. Double olympic gold and double rainbow stripes hasn´t.

 

[Berniece]

If he does the double again, and Lombardia would he win Velo d'or?

It would be extremely close. Like rghysens already said, winning the double in Olympics, and winning the double in WC has never been done before. But those are of course single day races while Pogacar won 2 GT's in a single year. Personally I don't find one better than the other, so it might come down to who people like more. Like Vingegaard winning last year.

 

[houtdffan]

Sicne I feel velo d'or should be a points based award for best rider, Pog would get it.

I've laid out my scoring scale before, but even if Pog ZEROs the worlds and Lombardia, he'd still be at 152

Remco's max would be 127 (at 80 now). Yep the crash would prove to be the difference, but part of the sport is being able to stay on your bike

 

[Berniece]

Sicne I feel velo d'or should be a points based award for best rider, Pog would get it.

I've laid out my scoring scale before, but even if Pog ZEROs the worlds and Lombardia, he'd still be at 152

Remco's max would be 127 (at 80 now). Yep the crash would prove to be the difference, but part of the sport is being able to stay on your bike

You are missing a multiplier on the uniqueness of the event.

 

[KoopaCycling]

If he does the double again, and Lombardia would he win Velo d'or?

Pogacar.

TdF+Giro+Catalunya + LBL+ Strade Bianchi + Montreal
beats
Algarve+ Figueira+Olympic (RR&TT)+ Worlds (RR&TT)+Lombardi.

 

[Berniece]

Pogacar.

TdF+Giro+Catalunya + LBL+ Strade Bianchi + Montreal
beats
Algarve+ Figueira+Olympic (RR&TT)+ Worlds (RR&TT)+Lombardi.

It really is
TDF + Giro + LBL
v.
OG double + WC double + Lombardia

The rest just doesn’t matter to the people voting. Not that it matters, this award doesn’t really matter anyway.

Also for Evenepoel to win WC RR and Lombardia there needs to be something seriously wrong with Pogacar

 

[Krzysztof_O]

If he does the double again, and Lombardia would he win Velo d'or?

This is an interesting speculation. Double double by Evenepoel would be something unique. 4 golds. If he adds Lombardy to that then who knows (if Pogacar wins Lombardy then his 2 GTs + 2 monuments obviously topples double double). It's still far from realization and unlikely so let's wait and see.

 

[AmRacer]

This is an interesting speculation. Double double by Evenepoel would be something unique. 4 golds. If he adds Lombardy to that then who knows (if Pogacar wins Lombardy then his 2 GTs + 2 monuments obviously topples double double). It's still far from realization and unlikely so let's wait and see.

Pog #22 victories counts too.

 

[Krzysztof_O]

Pog #22 victories counts too.

Sure. I also think that Tour + Giro + Liege topples potential double double but if Evenepoel adds Lombardy to that it'll get closer. I would still give it to Pog for his overall domination and victory in the most prestigious race.

 

[houtdffan]

You are missing a multiplier on the uniqueness of the event.

I give no multipliers. Just a straight points scale

 

[houtdffan]

think many are forgetting Remco's TDF podium, however. He went from a 3 week podium to winning the double in Paris

Still, velo d'or is Pogs (should have been Pogs the past 2 years)

 

[Berniece]

I give no multipliers. Just a straight points scale

I know, it’s just that I would include a multiplier

 

[Extinction]

This is an interesting speculation. Double double by Evenepoel would be something unique. 4 golds. If he adds Lombardy to that then who knows (if Pogacar wins Lombardy then his 2 GTs + 2 monuments obviously topples double double). It's still far from realization and unlikely so let's wait and see.

What is this poker? Well then, Strade, Catalunya, LBL, Giro-Tour is certainly a Straight Flush, while double Olympic Gold, double Worlds Gold and Lombardia a Full House. It's the Giro-Tour combo factor, however, that adds decisive weight to the one-day race achievements.

 

[houtdffan]

What is this poker? Well then, Strade, Catalunya, LBL, Giro-Tour is certainly a Straight Flush, while double Olympic Gold, double Worlds Gold and Lombardia a Full House. It's the Giro-Tour combo factor, however, that adds decisive weight to the one-day race achievements.

I'd say iwth the Undisputed World road cycling championship, plus 3rd at the TDF, plus a Lombardia, it is a straight flush.

A J high straight flush. Beaten by Pogs K high straight flush

 

[red_flanders]

People should be thrilled with the WC ITT if he can get it, ‘cause Slovenia would have to be smoking crack not to win the RR.

 

[KoopaCycling]

it hink Pogacar is going to win WC RR, but i'm silently hoping for Remco to win Lombardia this year. Even though Lombardia has become Pogacar playground